WO2007097516A2

WO2007097516A2 - Control method of air conditioner

Info

Publication number: WO2007097516A2
Application number: PCT/KR2006/005482
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hyuk-Myung Kang
Original assignee: Lg Electronics Inc.
Priority date: 2006-02-20
Filing date: 2006-12-14
Publication date: 2007-08-30
Also published as: KR20070083046A; CN101025716A; WO2007097516A3

Abstract

A control method of an air conditioner is disclosed. The disclosed control method of an air conditioner comprises the steps of: downloading an image file stored in an external storage unit (162,164); comparing the data capacity of the downloaded image file with a reference data capacity and converting the data capacity of the downloaded image file according to the comparison result; and storing the downloaded image file the data capacity of which is converted in a memory unit.

Description

Description CONTROL METHOD OF AIR CONDITIONER

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly to a control method of an air conditioner which can download image files stored in an external memory unit such as a USD memory and an SD card can be downloaded and can convert the data capacity of the downloaded image files. Background Art

[2] Generally, an air conditioner is installed in an interior space such as an office and a home or on a side wall thereof to function as a cooling and heating device for cooling and heating the interior space and forms a series of refrigeration cycles each of which includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator.

[3] More particularly, the air conditioner includes an outdoor unit (also referred to as

Outdoor side' or 'heat radiating side') mainly installed outside a room and an indoor unit (also referred to as 'indoor side' or 'heat absorbing side') mainly installed in the interior of a building. The condenser (outdoor heat exchanger) and the compressor are installed in the outdoor unit and the evaporator (indoor heat exchanger) is installed in the indoor unit.

[4] Further, as well known, the air conditioner can be classified into a separation type air conditioner in which the outdoor unit and the indoor unit is separately installed and an integration type air conditioner in which the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are integrally installed.

[5] FIG. 1 schematically shows the appearance of an indoor unit of a conventional separation type air conditioner.

[6] As shown in the figure, the separation type air conditioner includes an indoor unit

10 and an outdoor unit (not shown) separated from the indoor unit 10 and a refrigerant pipe (not shown) is installed between the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit (not shown) so as to communicate the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit.

[7] The side and rear appearance of the indoor unit 10 is formed by a cabinet 20 extending long upward and downward. A base 22 is provided at a lower portion of the cabinet 20 and a front surface panel 24 forming the front appearance of the indoor unit 10 is installed at an upper portion of the tip end of the base.

[8] A display unit 30 displaying the operation of the air conditioner is provided at a central portion of the front surface panel 24 and a buttom section 32 in which various buttons for operating the air conditioner is provided on a side surface of the display unit 30. [9] The display unit 30 generally includes LEDs. Therefore, the display unit 30 is turned on when the air conditioner is operated to display the operation state of the air conditioner. Further, if the air conditioner is turned off, the display unit also turned off.

[10] More particularly, as shown in the figure, the display unit 30 displays the wind direction and the strength of the air conditioner, and also displays the interior temperature and the desired temperature of the air conditioner. Namely, the display unit displays the state of the air conditioner, which is set by a user, by using the LEDs.

[11] However, the conventional technology has the following disadvantages.

[12] Since the conventional display unit simply has a function for displaying only the operation state of the air conditioner, the button section should be separately provided to control the operation of the air conditioner.

[13] Therefore, the appearance of the entire air conditioner is not so smooth that the air conditioner can cause dissatisfaction in the aspect of sensibility.

[14] Further, conventionally, since an interface for downloading image files such as photographs stored in an external electronic device, only the image files embedded in the air conditioner itself can be displayed. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[15] Accordingly, the present invention has been developed in order to solve the above- mentioned problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a control method of an air conditioner to which a touch screen integrating a function of a button section and a function of a display section is mounted.

[16] Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method of an air conditioner which can download and display image files stored in an external memory unit such as a USD memory and an SD card.

Technical Solution

[17] In order to accomplish these objects, there is provided a control method of an air conditioner, which comprises the steps of: downloading an image file stored in an external storage unit; comparing the data capacity of the downloaded image file with a reference data capacity and converting the data capacity of the downloaded image file according to the comparison result; and storing the downloaded image file the data capacity of which is converted in a memory unit.

[18] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method of an air conditioner, which comprises the steps of: downloading an image file stored in an external storage unit; storing the downloaded image file in a memory unit; and displaying an image of the image file on a display unit.

[19] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method of an air conditioner, which comprises the steps of: downloading an image file stored in an external storage unit; comparing the data capacity of the downloaded image file with a reference data capacity and converting the data capacity of the downloaded image file according to the comparison result; storing the downloaded image file the data capacity of which is converted in a memory unit; and displaying an image of the image file on a display unit.

[20] As mentioned above, the present invention provides an air conditioner to which a touch screen is mounted.

[21] The air conditioner to which the touch screen is mounted can have an appealing appearance and can remove unnecessary buttons.

[22] Further, according to the present invention, since photographs which can be memorized while living can be stored and can be displayed in the air conditioner if necessary, the air conditioner can be very useful.

[23] Further, according to the present invention, the memory capacity of the air conditioner can be compressed to a suitable capacity to be stored, considering the memory capacity even in the case in which the capacity of image files stored in an external memory unit is large.

Advantageous Effects

[24] As mentioned above, the present invention provides an air conditioner to which a touch screen is mounted. [25] The air conditioner to which the touch screen is mounted can have an appealing appearance and can remove unnecessary buttons. [26] Further, according to the present invention, since photographs which can be memorized while living can be stored and can be displayed in the air conditioner if necessary, the air conditioner can be very useful. [27] Further, according to the present invention, the memory capacity of the air conditioner can be compressed to a suitable capacity to be stored, considering the memory capacity even in the case in which the capacity of image files stored in an external memory unit is large.

Brief Description of the Drawings [28] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [29] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an indoor unit of a conventional separation type air conditioner; [30] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the present invention; [31] FlG. 3 is a perspective view a state in which the front surface panel constituting an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the present invention is opened; [32] FlG. 4 is a block diagram showing the overall constitution of a control system of an air conditioner according to the present invention; [33] FlG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the operation mode of an air conditioner according to the present invention; [34] FlG. 6 is an example of an air conditioner start menu screen displayed on a touch screen;

[35] FlG. 7 is an example of an air conditioning operation mode screen;

[36] FlG. 8 is an example of an operation detailed control screen;

[37] FlG. 9 is a view displaying various images of an air conditioning operation mode screen using animations; [38] FlG. 10 is a view showing an air conditioning operation mode screen as various types of motion operation mode animation screens; [39] FlG. 11 is an example of a screen in the case in which a remote controller signal is abruptly received;

[40] FlG. 12 is an example of an information center mode screen;

[41] FlG. 13 is an example of a weather information center mode screen;

[42] FlG. 14 is an example of a thumbnail screen;

[43] FlG. 15 is a view for explaining a function performed on a thumbnail screen;

[44] FlG. 16 is a view for explaining a function of a single sheet viewing screen for enlarging and seeing a photograph on a thumbnail screen;

[45] FlG. 17 is a view for explaining another function of a thumbnail screen; and

[46] FlG. 18 is a flow chart for explaining a control method of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [47] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [48] FlG. 2 schematically shows the appearance of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the present invention. [49] The air conditioner includes the indoor unit 100 and an outdoor unit (not shown) and a front panel 110 formed long upward and downward to form the front appearance is provided on the front surface of the indoor unit 100 as shown in FlG. 2. [50] A hinge 112 is provided at upper and lower ends on the right side of the front panel to be the center of rotation of the front panel. Therefore, the front panel 110 is opened by rotating in the CCW direction (as viewed from the upper side) about the right side end. [51] A touch screen 120 is formed at a central portion of an upper portion of the front panel so as to directly manipulate the air conditioner even by a light touch of a hand of a user.

[52] The touch screen 120 is mounted to a display unit including a display section displaying information about the operation state and operation performing state of the air conditioner and a plurality of manipulation button sections for substantially controlling and setting the operation of the air conditioner.

[53] A remoter controller receiving section 140 is formed on the lower side of the touch screen. The remote controller receiving section 140 receives signals of a remote controller.

[54] FlG. 3 shows the state in which the front panel 110 is opened by rotating about the hinges 112.

[55] As shown in the figure, a display unit 150 is provided on the rear surface of the front panel.

[56] The display unit 150 includes a USB mounting section 152a and an SD mounting section 152b. A USB memory 162 or an SD card 164 is selectively mounted to the USB mounting section 152 and the SD mounting section 152b. Therefore, the display unit 150 can easily fetch external data, for example, photograph files through the USB memory 162 and the SD card 164.

[57] As a matter of course, data can be transferred through various movement storage media in addition to the USB memory 162 or the SD card 164 and data can be downloaded through the Internet.

[58] Further, a speaker output terminal 259a is exposed to the outside in the display unit

150. The speaker output terminal 259a is adapted to transfer sounds generated when the display unit 150 is operated to an external speaker (not shown). Namely, the user can enjoy the sounds output when the display unit 150 is driven by using a cable connecting the speaker output terminal 259a and the external speaker (not shown).

[59] On the other hand, through-holes 300 for discharging the heat generated in internal electric parts are formed in the cover of the display unit 150 and speaker holes 260 for guiding the output of a small-sized speaker (rated voltage of approximately IW) embedded in the display unit 150 are formed in the cover of the display unit 150.

[60] On the other hand, an air purifier 170 for filtering and purifying the foreign substances in the air is provided at a lower portion on the inner side of the indoor unit 100. The air purifier 170 includes a plurality of filters for filtering various substances such as dust and odor in the air.

[61] Further, a main microcomputer 200 connected to a display control section 150, for controlling the overall operation of the air conditioner, is installed on the upper side of the air purifier 170. [62] A pressure sensor 131 and a humidity sensor 132 are attached to the upper side of the main microcomputer.

[63] The pressure sensor 131 is provided to detect the change of the pressure in the interior of a room to predict the change of the weather, and the humidity sensor is adapted to measure the humidity in the interior of the air-conditioned room.

[64] The signals detected by the pressure sensor 131 and the humidity sensor 132 are processed in the main microcomputer 200 and is transferred to the display control section 150 to be displayed in letters (or a text).

[65] Although not shown, a plurality of parts (heat exchanger, etc.) for air-conditioning such as cooling and heating are provided in the interior of the indoor unit 100. However, since the functions and constitutions of the parts are generally well known, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[66] FlG. 4 is a block diagram of an overall control system of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

[67] As shown in the figure, the main microcomputer 200 controlling the entire operation of the air conditioner body and the display control section 250 enabling the function manipulation of the air conditioner on the touch screen 120 are provided in the air conditioner. Various parts are connected to the main microcomputer 200 and the display control section 250 in order to send and receive various data (or information).

[68] More particularly, the main microcomputer 200 includes a main memory 202. The main memory 202 is a storage medium basically embedded in the air conditioner and various data are stored in the main memory 202.

[69] A sensor section 212, a remote controller signals receiving section 214, a indoor unit motor 216, an outdoor unit motor 218, a compressor 220, etc. are connected to the main microcomputer 200.

[70] The sensor section 212 includes various sensors installed in the air conditioner, such as a temperature sensor (not shown), a humidity sensor 132 for measuring the humidity of the interior of a room, a pressure sensor 131 for obtaining information about the weather, and a gas sensor (not shown) for measuring the cleanness of the air, in order to measure the state and contamination of the air. As shown in the figure, the information about the pressure, the humidity, and the temperature, which are detected by the sensor section 212, are transferred to the main microcomputer.

[71] The remote controller signal receiving section 214 decodes the signals transferred through the remote controller receiving section 140 and transfers the decoded signals to the main microcomputer 200. As a matter of course, the remoter controller signal receiving section 214 can receive data (signals) through a computer (including the Internet) and a wireless communication, in addition to the remote controller receiving section 140. An another example of the present invention, the display control section 250 can be realized so as to directly receive the output signal of the remote controller signal receiving section 214.

[72] The indoor unit motor 216 is provided in the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner to rotate a fan and is operated by receiving the signal from the main microcomputer 200.

[73] On the other hand, the main microcomputer 200 can control the rotational speed of the indoor unit motor according to the contamination value of the air transferred from the sensor section 212.

[74] The compressor 220 and the outdoor unit motor 218 are operated by the main microcomputer 200. For example, if an operation instruction is input through the remote controller receiving section 140 and the touch screen 120, the main microcomputer 200 operates the compressor 220, the outdoor unit motor 218, etc. to convert the air conditioner from the stop state to the operation state.

[75] As mentioned above, the air purifier 170 is an unit for filtering the foreign substances in the air and purifying the air and the main microcomputer 200 controls the operation of the air purifier 170 on the basis of the signals input by a main input section 210.

[76] Further, the strength of the air purifier 170 is occasionally automatically regulated by the main microcomputer 200. Namely, after the main microcomputer 200 detects the contamination (dust, gas, etc.) degree measured by the sensor section 212 by setting of a user, the strength of the air purifier 170 can automatically regulated according to the contamination degree.

[77] Further, the main microcomputer 200 is adapted to transmit and receive signals to and from the display control section provided in the display unit 150.

[78] The data input to the display control section 250 through a data input section 258 and the signals input to the display control section 250 through the display input section 254 are occasionally transferred to the main microcomputer 200.

[79] A display memory 252, a display input section 254, a display section 256, a data input section 258, etc. are connected to the display control section 250.

[80] The display memory 252 is embedded in the display unit 150 to store various materials for display. For example, an SRAM 252a functions as a buffer temporarily storing the data to be displayed in the display section 256 and a booting ROM 252b performs the booting operation of the display unit when a power source is applied to the air conditioner and a flash memory 252c stores the operating system of the display unit or photograph and moving photograph files to be displayed on the display unit 256.

[81] The display input section 254 includes a touch screen 120 and a touch screen control section 254a for receiving the information selected by a touch method. As well known, in the case of a touch of a user to the touch screen 120, the coordinate information on the touch screen is decoded by a touch screen control section 254a and is transferred to the display control section 250. The display control section 250 analyzes the signals transferred from the touch screen control section 254a and performs the instructions corresponding to the signals.

[82] A display section (display area section to which a touch method is not applied) displaying functions related to the operation of the air conditioner according to the instructions of the display control section 250 and a button section (display area section to which a touch method is applied) for setting the functions of the air conditioner are displayed on the display section 256.

[83] The data input section 258 is an interface section receiving data such as a photograph file from outside through a movement type storage unit such as the USB memory 162 and the SD card 164. The data input through the data input section 258 is stored in a the display memory 252 by the display control section 250, but can be transmitted to the main microcomputer and be stored in the main memory if necessary.

[84] FlG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the operation mode of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

[85] As shown in the figure, if a power source for operating the air conditioner is applied

(510), the main microcomputer 200 and the display control section 250 perform the booting operation for operating the air conditioner and a booting screen 511 is displayed on the touch screen 120 while the booting operation is being performed. Here, the booting screen 511 displayed on the touch screen 120 expresses the screen displayed on the display section 256 as it is. Therefore, hereinafter, for convenience sake, in the case in which a predetermined screen is displayed on the display section 256, it is also expressed that a predetermined screen is displayed on the touch screen 120.

[86] If the booting operation is completed, the booting screen 511 displayed on the touch screen 120 is converted to an air conditioner start menu screen 520, which is a main menu in which basic function buttons related to the operation of the air conditioner is displayed.

[87] The function buttons displayed on the air conditioner start menu screen 520 includes an air conditioning operation button for selecting the operation function of the air conditioner, an air cleaning operation button for an air cleaning function, and an information center button for selecting various information such as the weather, a photo album, management of memorial days, but only one or two of the function buttons can be displayed or an additional function button can be displayed according to a designer.

[88] For example, the air conditioning operation button or the air cleaning operation button, which are displayed on the air conditioner start menu screen, are touched and input, the screen of the touch screen 120 is converted to the air conditioning operation menu screen or the air cleaning operation menu screen, which corresponds to the air conditioning operation button or the air cleaning operation button, and is displayed on the air conditioner start menu 520. The block diagram of FlG. 5 only displays the air conditioning/air cleaning operation menu screen 600 in one block for convenience sake.

[89] If a predetermined function button displayed on the air conditioning/air cleaning operation menu 600 is touched, various types of screens of an operation setting menu 610 corresponding thereto are displayed on the touch screen. The operation setting menu 610 will be described later.

[90] On the other hand, an information center button displayed on the screen of the air conditioner start menu 520 is touched and input, the screen of the touch screen 120 is converted to a screen displaying the information center menu 700 and is displayed on the air conditioner start menu 520.

[91] On the information center menu 700 are displayed a photo album button for editing, setting, and displaying the photograph files downloaded from the USB memory 162 and the SD card 164, a weather information center button for displaying information related to the weather such as today's weather, the interior humidity, the air cleanness etc., a memorial day managing button for inputting or displaying birthdays of the family or friends of a user, an alarm button for setting and releasing the alarm, a manual button for explaining the function and structure of the used air conditioner, and an environment setting button for arbitrarily setting the date and the time.

[92] Therefore, if one of the buttons displayed on the information center menu 700, one of subordinate menu screens, i.e. a photo album menu screen 710, a weather information center menu screen 720, a memorial day managing menu screen 730, an alarm menu screen 740, a manual menu screen 750, and an environment setting menu screen 760 is displayed on the touch screen 120.

[93] If there has not been a remote controller signal or a touch input for a predetermined period of time in the state in which the air conditioning/air cleaning operation menu screen 600, the information center menu screen 700, and the subordinate menu screens are displayed on the touch screen 120, the screen is converted to the screen of a screen saver 530 displaying a predetermined photograph (or moving photograph) to protect the display section 256.

[94] The screen saver 530 is released and returns to the prior screen if a predetermined instruction (for example, instruction related to the operation of the air conditioner) is input from outside through a touch or a remoter controller signal.

[95] On the other hand, if there has not been a remote controller signal or a touch input for a predetermined period of time in the state in which the air conditioner start menu screen 520 is displayed on the air conditioner start menu screen 520, the air conditioner start menu screen 520 is converted to a stop mode screen 512 and is displayed on the touch screen 120.

[96] The stop mode screen 512 includes tone-off of the display section 256 to save the power consumption. However, a general stop mode screen 512 is a screen displaying simple and basic information such as the time, the date, and the interior temperature.

[97] If a remote controller signal or a touch input is appled in which the stop mode screen 512 is displayed, the stop mode screen 512 is converted to the air conditioner start menu screen 520 and is displayed on the touch screen.

[98] FlG. 6 is an example of the air conditioner start menu screen 120 displayed on the touch screen 120.

[99] As shown in the figure, a trade mark (for example, WHISEN) of the air conditioner is attached to the touch screen 120 and an air conditioning operation button 121 in which a mark of "Air conditioning operation" is indicated together with an image of the air conditioner is displayed below the trade mark. An air conditioning operation button 122 in which a mark of "Air cleaning operation" is indicated is displayed on the right side of a lower portion of the touch screen together with an image of oxygen bubbles and an information center button 123 in which a mark of "Information center" is indicated is displayed on the left side of a lower portion thereof together with a box image containing a clock and a note book. If one of the operation button 121, the air cleaning operation button 122, and the information center button 123 is selected, the screen displayed on the touch screen is converted to a screen corresponding to the button.

[100] As mentioned above, the air conditioner start menu screen 120 shown in FIG. 6 is a main menu screen displayed on the touch screen 120 ater the power source is applied to the air conditioner and the booting screen is passed through.

[101] If there has not been a remote controller signal or a touch input for a predetermined period of time (approximately one minute) in the state in which the air conditioner start menu screen 120 is displayed, the air conditioner start menu screen 120 is converted to the stop mode screen 512 on which only basic information about the time and the weaterh is displayed. However, if there is a touch input of a user in the state of the stop mode screen 512, the stop mode screen 512 returns to the air conditioner start menu screen 120 and waits for an input of the user.

[102] On the other hand, after the air conditioner is converted to the information center mode or the air conditioning/air cleaning operation mode screen, if a "Prior" button displayed at a lower end portion of the corresponding screen or a "Stop operation" button representing the stop of the operation of the air conditioner is touched or input in the air conditioning/air cleaning operation mode screen state, the information center mode screen, the air conditioning operation mode screen, or the air cleaning operation mode screen is converted right to the stop mode screen 512. In this state, if a hand of a user touches the touch screen 120, the stop mode screen 512 disappears and the air conditioner start menu screen 120 is displayed on the touch screen 120.

[103] FlG. 7 is an example of the air conditioning operation mode screen displayed on the touch screen 120 in the case in which the air conditioning operation button 121 of FlG. 6 is selected by a remote controller signal or a touch input. As mentioned above, the air conditioning operation mode screen is generally displayed on the display section 256, since a user feels as if it is displayed on the touch screen, it is expressed to be displayed on the touch screen, for convenience sake.

[104] As shown in FlG. 7, a character (replaced with another character by setting the environment as will be described later) enjoying skiing is displayed on the upper side of the touch screen on which the air conditioning operation mode screen is displayed.

[105] Further, on the lower side of the touch screen are displayed an information window

300 in which the operation state of the air conditioner, the weather information, the interior temperature, and a desired temperature are displayed, a temperature setting button 316 in which movement keys (A,T) for setting the desired temperature, and a mode changing button section 318 for converting the mode to another mode. The mode changing button section 318 includes an information center button 310 for moving the mode to an information center mode for setting various life-related information, an operation stop button 312 for stopping the operation of the air conditioner, and an operation setting button 314 for setting the operation state of the air conditioner for the convenience for a user.

[106] As shown in the figure, for example, in the information window 300, the operation state of the air conditioner is displayed as "Cooling operation strong", and the weather information is displayed as "Weather cloudy", and the interior temperature is displayed as "19 ⁰C", and the desired temperature is displayed as "19 ⁰C".

[107] The operation state displays the current operation mode of the air conditioner and the strength of wind. More particularly, one of cooling operation weak/strong/power, turbo-Z weak/strong/power, dehumidification weak/strong/power, artificial intelligence, air cleaning operation weak/strong is displayed.

[108] Although the weather information is displayed as "Weather cloudy" in FlG. 7, the area displaying the weather information sequentially and repetitively displays the information on the interior humidity, the air cleanness, and the weather by using a sliding text method. Namely, the interior humidity, the air cleanness, the weather, and the interior humidity, etc. are repetitively and sequentially displayed. For example, the interior humidity is displayed as "Interior humidity 30%", and the air cleanness is as "Bad", "Normal", "Good", or the like, the sliding text effect is renewed by a period of one second.

[109] On the interior temperature display section of the information window 300, in the case in which the interior temperature is between 10 °C and 36 °C, the temperature value is normally displayed. In the case in which the interior temperature is below 10 °C, "Lo" is displayed. Further, in the case in which the interior temperature is above 36 °C, "Hi" is displayed.

[110] On the desired temperature displaying section of the information window 300, a strong wind/weak wind guide is displayed in the air cleaning mode, and if a movement key of the temperature setting button 316 is pressed, the wind amount increases or decreases. On the other hand, "Ai" is displayed in the artificial intelligence mode and one of -2, -1, 0, 1, and 2 is displayed by a movement key of the temperature setting button 316. Further, if the turbo-Z function is turned on, "Po" is displayed, and the temperature of 18 °C to 30 °C is displayed in the other modes.

[Ill] The temperature setting button 316 is an input section setting the desired temperature in 18 °C to 30 °C using up and down movement keys and is used as a weak/strong conversion key when only the air cleaning function is performed. When the desired temperature is set using the up and down movement key of the temperature setting button 316, the temperature change is increased or decreased by 1 °C.

[112] Four icons (operation state addition icons 304) additionally displaying the operation state of the air conditioner are displayed in the information window 300. Of the operation state addition icons, the most left icon displays whether the air cleaning operation is performed and the icon on the right side thereof displays whether the outdoor unit is operated. Whether the power consumption mode is peformed is displayed on the right side of the icon displaying whether the outdoor is operated and the most right icon displays whether the time reservation setting function is performed is displayed. The display order of the four icons is not regular. Namely, the icons are displayed on the left side to the right side according to the order in which the operations corresponding to the functions are performed. The operation state addition state 304 is not displayed in the case in which the air conditioner is operated only for air cleaning, and in this case, the air cleanness explained in the following is displayed instead.

[113] The above-mentioned information window 300 only displays the information but is not an object of a touch input.

[114] On the other hand, if the information center button 310 of the mode changing button section 318 is selected, the touch screen 120 is moved to an information center menu screen 700. Further, if the operation stop button 312 is selected, the touch screen 120 is moved to a stop mode screen 512, and if the operation setting button 314 is selected, the touch screen 120 is moved to an operation detailed control screen which will be described later.

[115] FlG. 8 is an example of the operation detailed control screen. A user can arbitrarily select and set the operation mode, the wind strength, and additional functions of the air conditioner on the operation detailed control screen.

[116] As shown in the figure, an information window 300 displaying the operation state, the weather information, the interior temperature, and a desired temperature and a temperature setting button 316 displaying up and down movement keys (A, T) for setting the desired temperature are displayed on the operation detailed control screen. The functions of the information window 300 and the temperature setting button 316 are the same as the functions of the information window 300 and the temperature setting button 316 explained in FlG. 7. Therefore, a user can change the desired temperature by selecting the up and down movement keys of the temperature setting button 316.

[117] An operation mode selecting section 810, the wind strength selecting section 820, an additional function selecting section 830, and a mode changing button section 840 are sequentially displayed toward the downward direction on the lower side of the information window 300 and the temperature setting button 316.

[118] The operation mode selecting section 810 includes a cooling button 811 , an artificial intelligence button 812, a dehumidification button 813, and an air cleaning button 814.

[119] The wind strength selecting section 820 includes a weak wind button 821, a strong wind button 822, a power wind button 823, and a turbo-Z button 824.

[120] The additional function selecting section 830 includes a right and left wind button

831, an upward and downward wind button 832, and a power saving button 833.

[121] The mode changing button section 840 includes an information center button 841m, an operation stop button 842, and a setting completion button 843.

[122] All of the operation mode selecting section 810, the wind strength selecting section

820, and the additional function selecting section 830 can be selected in the case in which the air conditioner is operated to perform air conditioning. But, in the case the air conditioner is used only for air cleaning, only the weak wind button 821 and the strong wind button 822 of the wind strength selecting section 820 can be selected and input and the power wind button 823, the turbo-Z button 824, and the other functions are disabled and cannot be input. For reference, if the air cleaning operation button 122 of FlG. 6 is selected, the air conditioner start menu screen 120 of FlG. 6 is converted right to the operation detailed control screen of FlG. 8. Therefore, in the air conditioning operation mode screen displayed by selecting the air conditioning operation button 121 of FlG. 6, which is related to the air conditioner, it is rather different from conversion to the operation detailed control screen of FlG. 8 by selecting the operation setting button 314.

[123] After entry into the operation detailed control screen of FlG. 8, if there has not been an input of a user for a predetermined period of time (for example, one minute), the operation detailed control screen returns to the screen state of FlG. 7. Further, if there is an input of a user, the operation detailed control screen automatically returns to the screen state of FlG. 7 after five seconds from the final input.

[124] FlG. 9 is views showing images in which the air conditioner operation mode screen explained in FlG. 7 is displayed by using various character operation mode animations according to the operation state of the air conditioner.

[125] FlG. 9(a) shows the air conditioning operation mode screen in the case in which the air conditioner is operated in the "Cooling weak" state. FlG. 9(b) shows the air conditioning operation mode screen in the case in which the air conditioner is operated in the "Cooling strong" state. FlG. 9(c) shows the air conditioning operation mode screen in the case in which the air conditioner is operated in the "Cooling power" state.

[126] Further, FlGs. 9(d), 9(e), and 9(f) show the air conditioning operation mode screen state in the case of turbo-Z weak, turbo-Z strong, and turbo-Z power, respectively. FlGs. 9(g), 9(h), and 9(i) show the air conditioning operation mode screen state in the case of dehumidification weak, artificial intelligence, and air cleaning strong, respectively.

[127] As shown in FlG. 9, it can be seen that characters of various images are displayed on the air conditioning operation mode screen according to the operation state of the air conditioner. Although the character can be expressed on a stop screen, the present invention displays a moving photograph.

[128] FlGs. 10(a) to 10(i) are views showing images in which the air conditioning operation mode screen explained in FlG. 7 is displayed by using various motion operation mode animations according to the operation state of the air conditioner. The animation images displayed on the upper side of the touch screen 120 on the motion operation mode animation screen is displayed by using a moving image.

[129] Similarly to FlG. 9, it can be seen that animation of various images can be displayed on the air conditioning operation mode screen according to the operation state of the air conditioner.

[130] FlG. 11 is a view showing an example of a screen state in the case in which a remote controller signal is abruptly received during the operation of the air conditioner in the screen state of FlG. 9 or FlG. 10.

[131] If the remote controller signal is applied, various types of remote controller reception informing windows 1111 to 1114 are displayed on the air conditioning operation mode screen according to the remote controller signals. In this case, the prior air conditioning operation mode screen is changed to a blurry background screen. [132] The remote controller reception informing window 1111 of FlG. 1 l(a) is a screen displayed in the case in which the desired temperature is to be regulated by using a remote controller. The remote controller reception informing window 1112 of FlG. 1 l(b) is a screen displayed in the case in which the strength of wind is regulated. The remote controller reception informing window 1113 of FlG. 1 l(c) is a screen displayed in the case in which the upward and downward wind discharged from the air conditioner is regulated. The remote controller reception informing window 1114 of FlG. 1 l(d) is a screen displayed in the case in which the right and left wind discharged form the air conditioner regulated.

[133] After the remote controller reception informing windows 1111 to 1114 is displayed for five seconds after the remote controller signals are received, they automatically disappear.

[134] The remote controller reception informing windows 1113 and 1114 are displayed only when the upward and downward wind and the right and left wind is on in the data received from the remote controller. For example, in the case in which an upward and downward wind on instruction is cancelled right after it is transferred by the remote controller, the remote controller reception informing windows 1113 and 1114 are not displayed for five seconds and disappears immediately.

[135] On the other hand, if a remote controller signal is received in the state in which the screen saver 530 is displayed, the screen saver 530 disappears and the remote controller reception informing windows 1113 and 1114 are displayed.

[136] Further, if a remote controller signal is received on the information center mode screen, since the information center mode screen enters the operation mode, the remote controller reception informing window is not separately displayed.

[137] FlG. 12 is an information center mode screen displayed on the front surface of the touch screen in the case in which the information center button 123 of the air conditioner start menu screen 120 shown in FlG. 6 is touched and input.

[138] As shown in the figure, a weather information center button 1210, a photo album button 1220, a memorial day managing button 1230, an alarm button 1240, an environment setting button 1250, a manual button 1260, and a priority button 1270.

[139] The information center mode screen is converted to the weather information center mode screen 1211 if the weather information center button 1210 is selected, to the photo album mode screen 1221 if the photo album button 1220 is selected, to the memorial day managing mode screen 1231 if the memorial day managing button 1230 is selected, to the alarm button mode screen 1241 if the alarm button 1240 is selected, to the environment setting mode screen 1251 if the environment setting button 1250 is selected, and to the manual mode screen 1261 if the manual button 1260 is selected.

[140] If a predetermined period of time elapses in the state in which the information center mode screen of FlG. 12 is displayed, the information center mode screen is converted to the stop mode screen 512.

[141] On the other hand, the information center button 310 at a lower end portion of the air conditioning operation mode screen 600 of FlG. 7 is selected, the screen of FlG. 12 is displayed.

[142] If the priority button 1270 at a lower end portion of the information center mode screen is selected, in the case in which the air conditioner is currently operated, the air conditioning operation mode screen 600 of FlG. 7 is displayed. However, in the case in which the air conditioner is currently in the operation off state, the screen enters the stop mode screen 512.

[143] Similarly, in the state in which the information center mode screen is displayed, if a remote controller signal is applied, the screen enters the operation mode screen 600 or the stop mode screen 512 according to the operation state of the air conditioner.

[144] FlG. 13 is an example of the weather information center mode screen 1211.

[145] As shown in the figure, on the weather information center mode screen 1211 are displayed a display section 1211a including a today weather display section displaying rainy, cloudy, overcast, and clear, an interior humidity display section displaying the current interior humidity in a range of 19 to 99 %, and an air cleanness display section displaying the cleanness of the air by three steps of bad, normal, good, and a priority button 1211b for moving the screen to the information center mode screen of FlG. 12 which is the prior screen. In FlG. 13, a touch input method is applied to the priority button 121 Ib and the display section 1211a only displays the information.

[146] Next, the photo album button 1220 of FlG. 12 is selected and the screen on the touch screen is moved from the information center mode screen of FlG. 12 to the photo album mode screen.

[147] FlG. 14(a) is a thumbnail screen which is the initial screen of the photo album mode screen. A plurality of photograph files stored in a display memory 252 (especially, a flash memory 252c) is displayed in a contracted image on the thumbnail screen. Next, FlG. 14(b) is a single sheet viewing screen appearing when one of a plurality of photograph files displayed in FlG. 14(a) is selected, and FlG. 14(c) is a screen saver setting screen for selecting a photograph to be used in the screen saver, and FlG. 14(d) is a screen for fetching the photograph files transmitted from an exterior USB memory, which will be described in the following.

[148] FlG. 15 is a view for explaining the functions performed on the thumbnail screen.

[149] As shown in the figure, the thumbnail is displayed on the left side of the upper end of FlG. 15(a), and the single sheet viewing screen appearing when a predetermined photograph displayed on the thumbnail screen is selected is displayed on the right side thereof. Page movement keys (A, T) for moving the screen to another thumbnail screen is displayed below the thumbnail screen. A "Menu" button for selecting a function realized on the photo album screen is located on the left side of the lowermost end therof. A "Prior" button for moving the screen to the information center mode screen of FlG. 12 is located on the right side of the lowermost end.

[150] As shown in FlG. 15(a), the maximum nine sheets of photograph files are displayed as one page on the thumbnail screen, and if a predetermined photograph file on the thumbnail screen is selected, the screen is moved to the single sheet viewing screen (FlG. 15(b)) which will be described in the following.

[151] In FlG. 15(a), if the "Menu" button is selected, a menu catalog (continuous view, setting of screen saver, fetching photograph, deleting all, closing menu) shown in FlG. 15(c) is displayed on the thumbnail screen.

[152] In FlG. 15(a), if the "Prior" button is selected, the thumbnail screen of HG. 15 is converted to the information center mode screen (FlG. 15(d)) described in FlG. 12.

[153] FlG. 16 explains the function of the single sheet viewing screen for enlarging and viewing the photograph on the thumbnail screen.

[154] FlG. 16(a) is an example of the single sheet viewing screen. As shown in the figure, in the single sheet viewing screen, an image of a predetermined photograph file selected on the photo album screen is enlarged and displayed. Movement keys (A, T) for moving the screen to another photograph file on the photo album screen on which the predetermined photograph file is located are displayed on the lower side of the single sheet viewing screen. A "Menu" button is displayed on the left side of a lower end portion of the single sheet viewing screen and a "Prior" button is displayed on the right side of a lower end portion thereof.

[155] First, in FlG. 16(a), if the photograph is selected, the selected photograph is displayed as an entire screen as shown in FlG. 16(b). If the "Prior" button located at a lower end portion of FlG. 16(b), the entire screen is moved to FlG. 16(a) which is the main screen of the single sheet viewing screen.

[156] In FlG. 16(a), if the "Menu" button is selected, a menu window including "Rotate photograph", "Delete", and "Close menu" as shown in FlG. 16(c) appears on the single sheet viewing screen of FlG. 16(a).

[157] In the manu window of FlG. 16(c), if "Rotate photograph" is selected, as shown in

FlG. 16(d), a photograph rotation window including four function buttons for right and left/up and down symmetry of the photograph and rotation of the photograph to the right and left sides by 90 degrees, a "Confirm" button for setting the completion of the manipulation of the function buttons after the manipulation of the function buttons is completed, and a "Cancel" button capable of cancelling the set state. If the "Confirm" button or the "Cancel" button is selected in the photograph rotation window, the screen of FlG. 16(d) is moved to FlG. 16(a) which is the main screen of the single sheet viewing screen.

[158] In the manu window of FlG. 16(c), "Delete" is selected, a deletion confirming window confirming whether the currently displayed photograph file is to be deleted appears as shown in FlG. 16(e).

[159] If "Yes" indicating the agreement with the deletion of the photograph file currently displayed in the deletion confirming window is selected, the corresponding photograph file is deleted and the screen is moved to FlG. 15 (a) which is the thumbnail screen. On the other hand, "No" indicating the disagreement with the deletion of the photograph file currently displayed in the deletion confirming window is selected, the main screen of the single sheet viewing screen returns to FlG. 16(a).

[160] If "Close menu" displayed in the manu window of FlG. 16(c), the screen returns right to FlG. 16(A) which is the main screen of the single sheet viewing screen.

[161] On the other hand, the "Prior" button of FlG. 16(a) is used when the screen is moved to FlG. 15 (a) which is the thumbnail screen.

[162] FlG. 17(a) shows a menu window displayed when the "Menu" button of FlG. 15(a) is selected. "Continuous view", "Set screen saver", "Fetch photograph", and "Delete all" are displayed in the menu window.

[163] If "Continuous view" is selected, images of all photograph files stored in the current photo album (i.e. in the flash memory 252c) are renewed and displayed. If there is not a photograph in the photo album, a message of "The album is empty" is output.

[164] If "Set screen saver" is selected, the screen is moved to a screen capable of allowing a user top select a photograph to be used as a background photograph of the screen saver as shown in FlG. 17(b). If the user selects one of the photographs displayed in FlG. 17(b) and selects the "Set" button, the selected photograph is set as a photograph for screen saver and the screen is moved to the thumbnail screen shown in FlG. 15(A).

[165] If the "Prior" button is selected in FlG. 17(b), the screen is moved to the screen of

FIG. 17(a).

[166] Next, the "Fetch photograph" button in FlG. 17(a) is a function button for downloading a photograph stored in a USB memory 162 or an SD card 164 which is an external storage unit. In the present invention, although only the USB memory 162 or the SD card 164 is mentioned, a currently used external storage unit can be applied to the present invention in spite of its title such as an XD card or a memory stick.

[167] If the "Fetch photograph" button of the manu items displayed in FlG. 17(a) is selected, the screen is converted to the screen of FlG. 17(c).

[168] As shown in the figure, a plurality of image files (photographs) stored in an external storage unit is displayed in FlG. 17(c).

[169] In the case in which there are many image files, the screen page can be moved using right and left movement keys displayed on the lower side. [170] "Select some" at an upper end is a function button for selecting some of the image files and "Select all" is a function button for selecting all of the displayed image files.

[171] "Fetch photograph" at a lower end portion is a function button for downloading and storing some or all of the selected image files in the flash memory 252c and "Prior" is a function button for moving the screen to the thumbnail screen shown in FIG. 15(a).

[172] For example, If the "Select some" button is selected, some image files for download is selected, and "Fetch" button is selected, the selected files of the image files stored in the external storage unit is stored in the flash memory 252c.

[173] In another example, if the "Select all" button is selected, all image files of the current page are selected, and if the "Fetch" button is selected in the state, the selected files of the image files stored in the external storage unit is downloaded and stored in the flash memory 252c.

[174] On the other hand, in FIG. 17(a), "Delete all" is a function for deleting all photograph files in the current photo album. If the "Delete all" button is selected, a confirmation is performed again in the message window and the process is proceeded after the confirmation of a user.

[175] For reference, in FIG. 17(a), the image files (photographs) displayed when the

"Continuous view" button, the "Set screen saver" button, or the "Delete all" button is selected are displayed by transferring the image files stored in the flash memory 252c to the display section 156 under the control of the display control section 250. Further, the image files (photographs) displayed when the "Fetch photograph" button is selected are displayed by transferring the image files stored in the external storage unit to the display section 256 under the control of the display control section 250.

[176] Hereinafter, a method in which a predetermined image file is downloaded from the external storage unit to the flash memory 252c and is stored in the flash memory by selecting the "Fetch" button in FIG. 17(c) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 18.

[177] First, a user mounts the USD memory 162 or the SD card 164 in which a predetermined image file is stored to a USB mounting portion 152a or an SD mounting portion 152b which is a mounting portion for an external storage unit (SlO). Then, the display control section 250 performs a basic examination to the mounted external storage unit and recognizes that the the external storage unit is mounted.

[178] Next, a user selects the "Fetch photograph" button in the menu window appearing when the "Menu" button is input on the thumbnail screen (i.e. photo album screen), (or, refer to FIG. 17(a)) (SIl, S12, and S13)

[179] If the "Fetch photograph" button is selected, the display control section 250 downloads the image files stored in the external storage unit and transfers the image files to the display section 256. Then, FIG. 17(c) shows the screen displayed on the display section 256.

[180] A user can use the "Select some" button or the "Select all" button to select some or all of the image files displayed on the display section 256. The "Fetch" button for downloading the selected image files is selected and the display control section 250 starts to download the selected image files of the image files stored in the external storage unit by recognizing the download instruction. (S 14) Then, in the case in which a plurality of image files are selected, the download work is performed in the following way with respect to each of the selected image files.

[181] The display control section (250) downloads one of the selected files first and compares the photograph capacity (i.e. data capacity) of the image file with a predetermined reference capacity (i.e. reference data capacity). (S 15)

[182] Here, the predetermined reference capacity refers to a reference capacity set in the flash memory 252c by the initial program. The comparison is preformed because the photograph capacity (i.e. data capacity) of the image file stored in the external storage unit should be determined to be converted to a data capacity (i.e. compressed) or to be stored as it is since it becomes a burden to the flash memory if the photograph capacity is too large.

[183] After the determination in the step (S 15), if the photograph capacity of the selected image file is larger than the reference capacity, it is converted so as to be equal to the reference capacity (reference data capacity). Namely, after the photograph capacity of the image file is compressed to the reference capacity, it is stored in the flash memory 252c. (S 16 and S 17)

[184] On the other hand, after the determination in the step (S 15), the photograph capacity of the selected image file is smaller than or equal to the reference capacity, it is stored right in the flash memory 252c without conversion of the photograph capacity of the selected image file. (S 17)

[185] The process is identically applied to an image file which is stored in the external storage unit and is to be downloaded.

[186] Further, the image file stored in the flash memory 252c by the "Fetch image file" instruction is displayed on the display section 256 when the "Continuous view" button, the "Set screen saver" button, or the "Delete all" button is selected. Therefore, a user can variously use the image file which is downloaded from the external storage unit and is stored.

[187] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims. Industrial Applicability

[188] According to the control method of the air conditioner according to the present invention, since photographs which can be memorized while living can be stored and displayed in the air conditioner, the industrial applicability of the present invention is high.

[189]

Claims

[I] A control method of an air conditioner, which comprises the steps of: downloading an image file stored in an external storage unit; comparing the data capacity of the downloaded image file with a reference data capacity and converting the data capacity of the downloaded image file according to the comparison result; and storing the downloaded image file the data capacity of which is converted in a memory unit. [2] A control method according to claim 1, wherein the step of downloading the image file comprises the sub-step of: mounting the external storage unit to a mounting portion of the external storage unit formed in the air conditioner. [3] A control method according to claim 1, wherein the step of downloading the image file comprises the sub-step of: applying an instruction for performing the download of the image file stored in the external storage unit. [4] A control method according to claim 1, wherein the step of converting the data capacity of the downloaded image file is the step of compressing and converting the data capacity of the downloaded image file so that the data capacity of the downloaded image file can become equal to the reference data capacity if the data capacity of the downloaded image file is greater than the reference data capacity. [5] *A control method according to claim 1, wherein the step of converting the data capacity of the downloaded image file is the step of maintaining the data capacity of the downloaded image file if the data capacity of the downloaded image file is smaller than or equal to the reference data capacity. [6] A control method according to claim 1, wherein the external storage unit is at least one of a USB memory, an SD card, an XD card, and a memory stick. [7] A control method according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner comprises a display unit to which a touch screen is mounted. [8] A control method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of: displaying an image of the image file on the display unit. [9] A control method according to claim 8, wherein the step of displaying the image is performed in the step of storing the image file in the memory unit. [10] A control method of an air conditioner, which comprises the steps of: downloading an image file stored in an external storage unit; storing the downloaded image file in a memory unit; and displaying an image of the image file on a display unit.

[II] A control method of an air conditioner, further comprising the step of: comparing the data capacity of the image file downloaded in the external storage unit with a reference data capacity and converting the data capacity of the downloaded image file according to the comparison result

[12] A control method according to claim 11, wherein the step of converting the data capacity of the downloaded image file is the step of compressing and converting the data capacity of the downloaded image file so that the data capacity of the downloaded image file can become equal to the reference data capacity if the data capacity of the downloaded image file is greater than the reference data capacity.

[13] A control method according to claim 11, wherein the step of converting the data capacity of the downloaded image file is the step of maintaining the data capacity of the downloaded image file if the data capacity of the downloaded image file is smaller than or equal to the reference data capacity.

[14] A control method according to claim 10, wherein the step of downloading the image file comprises the sub-step of: mounting the external storage unit to a mounting portion of the external storage unit formed in the air conditioner; and applying an instruction for performing the download of the image file stored in the external storage unit.

[15] A control method according to claim 10, wherein the step of displaying the image is peformed together with the step of storing the image file in the memory unit.

[16] A control method of an air conditioner, which comprises the steps of: downloading an image file stored in an external storage unit; comparing the data capacity of the downloaded image file with a reference data capacity and converting the data capacity of the downloaded image file according to the comparison result; storing the downloaded image file the data capacity of which is converted in a memory unit; and displaying an image of the image file on a display unit.

[17] A control method according to claim 16, wherein the step of converting the data capacity of the downloaded image file is the step of compressing and converting the data capacity of the downloaded image file so that the data capacity of the downloaded image file can become equal to the reference data capacity if the data capacity of the downloaded image file is greater than the reference data capacity.

[18] A control method according to claim 16, wherein the step of converting the data capacity of the downloaded image file is the step of maintaining the data capacity of the downloaded image file if the data capacity of the downloaded image file is smaller than or equal to the reference data capacity. [19] A control method according to claim 16, wherein the step of downloading the image file comprises the sub-step of: mounting the external storage unit to a mounting portion of the external storage unit formed in the air conditioner; and applying an instruction for performing the download of the image file stored in the external storage unit. [20] A control method according to claim 16, wherein the step of displaying the image is peformed together with the step of storing the image file in the memory unit.